Into Summer At The SF Zoo

And now, some sketches from recent excursions to the San Francisco Zoo. They've just started their summer event schedule, which includes a nature trail manned by young volunteers, twice-daily wildlife theater shows, and lots of keeper talks - plus the newly unveiled Sculpture Learning Plaza! A great time to take the kids, if you've got 'em.

The new Sculpture Learning Plaza has dozens of life-size and larger-than-life models of exotic critters, sturdy enough for kiddies to climb on. Coming soon: a coelacanth!

 Otherwise, last week's trip was about the rhinos. Here's magnificent Gauhati, two tons of fun.

And here's young Boone, who's currently the subject of a research fundraiser to develop a cool food-dispensing foraging ball.

From back in May, here are five giraffes all stripping one stalk of acacia. This was an irresistible drawing opportunity.

A comprehensive indictment of that wicked, wicked guanaco.

My beloved sloth and his colorful roomie. They'll soon be relocating to the new tropical aviary.

Another irrestible sketching situation. I've never seen the shy bongo this close!

Oakland Zoo 05/23/2015

In which Julie and I return to OZ to celebrate some elephants! Volunteers were on hand to share their pachyderm knowledge, and remind us to support California's SB 716 (banning the use of bullhooks) and AB 96 (cracking down on the state's shameful ivory trade).

The utterly adorable white-handed gibbons. The blond one doesn't seem to be quite as extroverted, but they're both serious swingers.

More sun bear fun, plus a recognition guide and your daily reminder to seek out products that use sustainable palm oil.

My main goal for today was to learn how to tell the elephants apart. Here's Donna eating a yummy cardboard box, plus a basic recognition crib sheet.

We signed up for the once-a-year tour of the elephant barn, and saw Osh getting his daily pedicure and checkup. Tomorrow, he turns 21!